"How did Saint Sebastian die?
Arrows pierced his throat and thigh
which only knew, before that time
the dolors of a concubine.

Near above him, hardly over,
hovered his gold martyr’s crown.
Even Mary from Her tower
of heaven leaned a little down

and as She leaned, She raised a corner
of a cloud through which to spy.
Sweetly troubled Mary murmured
as She watched the arrows fly.

And as the cup that was profaned
gave up its sweet, intemperate wine,
all the golden bells of heaven
praised an emperor’s concubine.

Mary, leaning from her tower
of heaven, dropped a tiny flower
but, privately, she must have wondered
if it were indeed quite wise to [sic]
let this boy in Paradise?"